Indulge in a creamy, comforting cheddar cheese soup made with sharp cheddar, fresh vegetables, real butter, and high-quality half and half. The perfect excuse to have cheese for dinner.
Cuisine: American
Course: 1 pot meals, Brunch, Lunches, Main Dishes, Soups
3Leeks, without the green leavescleaned and finely chopped
1medium carrotpeeled and finely chopped
2medium celery stalksfinely chopped
1/4cupall-purpose flour
4cupchicken broth
1/2lbVermont sharp cheddarshredded
1tspdry mustard
1tspWorcestershire sauce
Salt and pepper and Cayenne pepper to taste
Directions:
Melt 1 stick of butter in a large saucepan over medium heat.
Add the leeks, carrots, celery and sauté for 3 minutes or until tender. Sprinkle flour over the vegetables and stir for 3 minutes, making sure to cook the flour evenly.
Add the chicken stock slowly, whisking to evenly combine. Bring to a boil over medium heat, then reduce the heat and simmer uncovered for 40 minutes or until slightly thickened.
Purée the soup in a blender, food processor or with a handheld mixer. Strain into a clean saucepan. Bring to a simmer.
Add the half and half, cheese, mustard and Worcestershire sauce. Stir until the cheese is melted.
Season to taste with salt, pepper and cayenne pepper.
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish each serving with a sprinkling of finely chopped leeks.